As sure as the leaves change, every fall Microsoft releases a new version of its venerable Streets & Trips software. Like its many predecessors, Streets & Trips 2009 ($74.95 list, $39.95 without the USB GPS receiver) adds some new features and refinements. This year the big news is the addition of text-to-speech conversion, so the software speaks specific street namesa welcome addition.

Streets & Trips 2009, like other versions before it, is a cost-effective way to repurpose your existing hardware, turning a laptop PC into a GPS device with software and a USB receiver. Unfortunately, this year Microsoft dropped the bundle with MSN Connected Services that was offered in Streets & Trips 2008, which included live traffic updates and fuel prices. Though the feature hiked up the price, it added plenty of value. Still, text-to-speech boosts the 2009 edition. Also new, Microsoft has partnered with Entertainment Publications to offer coupon searches. With this integration, you can search for coupons for restaurants, attractions, and more. They're plotted right on the map, and there's an option to print them. (Check out the slideshow for an example.) The software includes a 14-day trial to this service; thereafter, you can opt in for $30 a year.

The basic views of Streets & Trips haven't changed since 2008. You have the option of full-screen map view, adding a list view with turn-by-turn directions, or adding a third "navigation" pane that shows upcoming maneuvers. Microsoft has, however, changed the toolbar: The icons are about twice the size of those in the 2008 version, making it much easier to access top-level functions when using a mouse or touchpad in a vehicle.

Like its predecessor, Streets & Trips 2009 includes only a basic POI (point of interest) database of approximately 1.6 million entries. And as with the 2008 edition, the database still includes a handful of restaurants in my neighborhood that have been out of business for years. Though the included database is small, when your laptop is connected to the Internet, you can use Live Search to scour the Web for POIs. You can, for example, use the search term "restaurant, Corning, NY" to find restaurants in Corning. Online matches are displayed in a list view with corresponding numbered icons on the map. You can then send the data to a mobile device or add it to your route. next: Hands On

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service

//our current issue

Select Term:

24 issues for $29.99 ONLY $1.25 an issue! Lock in Your Savings!

12 issues for $19.99ONLY $1.67 an issue!

State

Country

This transaction is secure

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service